Latest News From Beacon

Family unpacking moving boxes.

5 Tips to Avoid Moving Fraud

Are you prepping for a move? Here are a few tips to avoid hiring an illegitimate moving company when relocating.

1. Research the companies you're considering thoroughly. Check for a physical address, business reviews, company history and more. 

2. Have the company visit your house prior to the move to give you a realistic estimate of time and money. Never accept an estimate over the phone.

3. Make sure that the company has insurance in case anything is damaged during the move.

4. Ask for the company's DOT number (US Department of Transportation) and use the FMCSA database to check if the company is registered.

5. Check multiple companies to see who has the best estimate and the better offers, but be careful of offers that seem too good to be true.

6. Never pay in advance or in cash.

7. Make sure all contracts are reviewed and signed before you allow the movers to start packing up any of your valuables in their truck.

Re-Registering for Online/Mobile Banking

Why am I having to re-register/re-enroll for Online and Mobile Banking?
Beacon has upgraded the Online and Mobile banking system to include additional features, added security and tools for the convenience of Beacon's membership. Re-registration is required is because this is a new platform.

Will I be able to use the same Username and Password as before?
You will be able to use the same Username and Password as before, IF that username is still available. 

You will not be able to log in with your Username and Password that you used before until you re-register/re-enroll that information. If you attempt to re-register/re-enroll with your Username from before and the system does not allow you to, you will be required to choose a new Username.

What is needed when I re-register/re-enroll for the new Online and Mobile banking platform?
Social Security Number, Member Account Number and Date of Birth

Where can I find my member account number?
You can find your member account number on your Beacon statement, on the bottom of your Beacon checks (see image below for an example), on Beacon loan documentation or by visiting a Beacon branch with your photo ID.

Image of Check with Beacon Routing Number

What verification process is in place for the Online/Mobile Banking platforms?
Whenever you log into a new device (mobile or pc), for security purposes, you will be required to verify your identity with a PIN number sent through mobile or email. The mobile or email that will be used is the mobile or email that you provided to Beacon when you opened your account or updated your information. If Beacon does not have your mobile or email to verify the PIN, you can call or text Beacon at 434.237.1566 or visit a  Beacon Branch Location.

Image of Screenshot of Security Verification

During the validation process, what if my email address is missing or incorrect?
You will need to contact the Beacon Service Center by calling or texting the number 434.237.1566 or by visiting a Beacon Branch Location.

When I try to log in, why do I see a different security picture and/or security phrase?
If you have not re-registered/re-enrolled, as of 6/15/21, then your security image will not be correct. You must re-register/re-enroll first.

If you have re-registered/re-enrolled, after the above date, double-check the spelling of your username.

Image of screenshot of Online Banking Login

What browsers are supported by the new Online Banking platform?
The new Online Banking platform supports the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Microsoft Edge. Internet Explorer is not a supported browser.

What if my screen keeps refreshing, not reloading to the next screen or says I'm locked out?
You may have to clear your cache if the website is not functioning properly.
Click here for a few ways to clear your cache on your PC. 
Click here for ways to clear your cache on a MAC.

CLICK HERE FOR STEP BY STEP RE-ENROLLMENT INSTRUCTIONS.

Click here to re-register/re-enroll for Online/Mobile Banking

If you have additional questions, you can reach Beacon by calling or texting 434.237.1566 or visiting a Beacon Branch Location.

Happy couple riding in a jeep.

Savvy Road Trip Ideas for the Summer

Ready to “head out on the highway”? Are you “looking for adventure”? “Or whatever comes your way”? Please tell me you're singing the Steppenwolf song in your head now.

You’re “Born to be wild”… but on a budget, with these amazing road trip tips for saving money.

1. Pack your food and snacks. Don’t forget Laffy Taffy candy… the jokes on the wrapper are excellent for road conversation hilarity.

2. Prepare your meals. If you can book a place with a kitchen, you can save money by prepping your meals. Restaurant costs can add up quickly… especially if you’re traveling with a large family.

3. Look for free things to do… hiking, biking, picnics, parks, scenic drives… there are so many free things to do.

4. Drive like your high school driving instructor is on vacation with you. Your gas mileage will thank you.

5. Set your cruise control to maintain speed.

6. Don’t break or take off abruptly.

7. Set a budget and stick to it. The important part is that you “stick to it.” It’s easy to be tempted into buying those state spoons that are in the gift shop, but is it in your budget?

8. Take your vehicle to a mechanic before you go. Your local shop is probably cheaper than one in the middle of nowhere.

9. Check your tires before you go and make sure you have a spare. Flats on the road are no fun.

10. Scout for cheap gas, using apps or websites. 

11. Avoid tolls. You can find a setting in most phones and GPS devices that will avoid routes with tolls.

12. Thoroughly research where you plan to stay. Check the fees on Airbnb, look for hotel combo deals and use discount websites like Groupon to find great deals.

13. Look for coupon books at rest stops and visitor centers.

14. If your pups travel well, take them with you instead of boarding them or hiring a house sitter. They’re “looking for adventure” too and even a hotel with a pet fee can be cheaper than a week of boarding.

Phone with "Scam" on the screen.

 It’s that time of year again. You’re prepping your taxes and scammers are prepping their attempt at stealing your info and money. Here are a few common tax scams to be wary of this time of year.

IRS Impersonator


“Hello, Mr. Smith. I’m with the IRS and calling to inform you that you owe $5,000 in unpaid tax debts.”

These are terrifying words to hear when you pick up the phone but don’t panic. Evaluate. Do you know of money that you owe to the IRS? Is the person being demanding, requesting money, or threatening to take legal action? Then you’re probably talking to a scammer. Hang the phone up and contact the IRS directly to seek out information and to report the scam phone call.

IRS Ransomware Scam

Ransomware is software that is installed on your computer or phone that prevents you from using your device until you pay the scammer. These scams start with an email, a website, or a social media link that you simply click. With that one click, you install malicious content on your computer or phone that takes over your device. You’ll receive a pop-up that requests that you pay or call a number to make a payment to the person who has your computer hijacked. 

How do you avoid this type of scam? Never click an email, website, or social media link that you’re not familiar with.

Identity Theft and Your Taxes

If your identity has been stolen, the thief who stole your information could cause additional damage by filing taxes in your name so that they can collect the refund. If you have experienced identity theft, it’s diligent to report the fraudulent activity to the IRS. They can put a fraud alert on your credit reports. 

What if you receive a notification from the IRS that your taxes have been filed, but you haven’t filed them yet? Let the IRS know right away. It’s likely your information has been stolen and you were unaware.

Student Tax Scams

You receive an email stating that you owe “Federal Student Taxes” that cost $3,000. Don’t pay them! Scammers will reach out to victims through email, phone calls, and texts claiming to be from the IRS and asking for a tax that doesn’t exist. If you’re unsure whether a tax is legitimate or not, be sure to reach out to the IRS immediately. Never click a link and never give out account or payment information to someone who emails, calls or texts you with this claim.

Email, Calls, and Texting

As always, be wary of any email, phone calls, or text messages you receive. A scammer can use language and tricks to make you think they’re legitimately from the IRS and then ask for your personal data. A few deceptions they will use are….

  • The caller ID could say IRS.
  • The caller can provide you with fake IRS badge numbers and names.
  • They could use language like “we’re processing your request”, “your payment has processed” or “your filing is incomplete”.
  • A text message might attempt to get you to click a link.

There are many other ploys a scammer may use in an attempt to trick you into giving them your information, but you can avoid them. Simply be diligent when you respond to phone calls and communication that appears to be from the IRS. Don’t give out personal info, don’t click a suspicious link, and never send someone money without double-checking your resources by calling the IRS directly.

You can visit the IRS’s website for more information.

Exit site
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